tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9550796642198928642018-02-15T15:01:05.521-08:00Aaradyn's Brushillumination and calligraphy Aaradyn Ghyootnoreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-14388074393771455132018-01-06T12:31:00.002-08:002018-01-06T12:31:37.297-08:00Urnes style AoAOr, Aaradyn goes Minimalist<br /><br />The SCA as a whole has a lot of Vikings. I think that's awesome, but it makes doing original scrolls tricky. See, the Vikings didn't illuminate the way other cultures did. This forces us scribes to think outside the box.<br /><br />Or page. ;)<br /><br />There is a Stave Church in Norway with the most amazing carved doorways. It's in the Urnes style, a very specific style of knotwork that shows up many places in Norse culture. I have a theory that the doorways were painted once, but since it's been around since forever the color is gone and the beauty of the weathered wood is all that remains.<br /><br />It's still breathtakingly beautiful.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gbtk0Wn7d4Y/WlExtPSHczI/AAAAAAAAATc/eip2vi5UsKw67vtn3RUpnT1b6AZbb0dyACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Urnes%2Bdoorway%2BAoA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gbtk0Wn7d4Y/WlExtPSHczI/AAAAAAAAATc/eip2vi5UsKw67vtn3RUpnT1b6AZbb0dyACK4BGAYYCw/s640/Urnes%2Bdoorway%2BAoA.jpg" width="360" /></a>Here's an AoA that I did using one element as the focus, having added in the shield for their Arms once passed. All in all it's a small scroll but I am very happy with how it came out.Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-6946950219442889422018-01-06T12:14:00.003-08:002018-01-06T12:18:15.511-08:00Goldwork for a Silver WheelGoldleaf is not my strong suit. I'm getting better, but yeah... it's definitely something I need to work on.&nbsp; For this piece, the goal was even application and straight lines. I didn't quite achieve that, but I am happy with the piece nonetheless.<br /><br />My other challenge with this piece was to use a faux Arabic hand for the calligraphy. I learned two things from working with this hand:<br />one, I need to work on my spacing considerably and<br />two, I need to relax my hand more when writing<br /><br />That said, I had a lot of fun with this scroll, and I feel my white work was much better. Thanks again to Mistress Eva for her color matching lessons! I think my next lesson is to stop second guessing myself and trust my eyes.<br /><div><br /></div><div>This is a scroll for a Silver Wheel, referenced from an Iranian book of poetry to Muhammed.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xat80DkDzOQ/WlEuISY9F-I/AAAAAAAAATQ/NMLm9OGBYoQ1K5xwTWAJl7s_3DUySAstQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xat80DkDzOQ/WlEuISY9F-I/AAAAAAAAATQ/NMLm9OGBYoQ1K5xwTWAJl7s_3DUySAstQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1720.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-67972889561856997492018-01-06T11:53:00.000-08:002018-01-06T11:53:18.908-08:00French in the month of MayAt Pennsic I was asked if I was interested in doing a page for the East Kingdom calendar 2018. Truth be told, I was overjoyed! I don't think I jumped up and down when Mistress Rhonwen asked me, but I might have...<br /><br />I love the French style of artwork, and so listed it as one of the styles I'd prefer to paint. It was my assignment once they were announced, and with Rhonwen's help I found a wordsmith to translate the page into French. Many, many thanks to the research team that helped get the text sorted for me!<br /><br />Then it was on to research! Tournaments are what brought me into the SCA, and being involved with the Deed at GNEW has solidified my love of the 14th century, so it seemed fitting that I chose a tourney scene. I chose a page from France, c 1330 -&nbsp;<i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Histoire ancienne jusqu'à César, Perrin Remiet</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">&nbsp;</span></i><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Royal MS 20 D I / f6r).&nbsp; The text came from&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Froissart's chronicles:</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A il la nul gentilhomme&nbsp;qui pour l’amour de sa dame voulsist faire aucun fait d’armes?&nbsp;</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Se&nbsp;il en y a nulz, veéz me cy tout appareillié pour yssir hors armé de toutes pieces,&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">monté a cheval jouster&nbsp;trois coups de glaive, ferir trois&nbsp;coups de hache et trois coups de&nbsp;dague.<br />Si en ait qui puet et tout&nbsp;pour sa dame.&nbsp;Or verra on entre&nbsp;vous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">Anglois</a>&nbsp;se il y a nul amoureux.</span><br /><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">"Is there no gentleman among you who would perform some feat of arms for the love of his lady? If there is, then here I am, ready to go forth fully armed and mounted to tilt with the lance three times, to land three blows of the battle axe, and three strokes of the dagger. So let there be someone who can undertake such a feat, and all for his lady. Now let us see amongst you&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Englishmen</a><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">&nbsp;if there be any of you in love."&nbsp;</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></i><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was excellent, and perfect for the scene. I am exceedingly happy with how this came together. Mistress Eleanor was kind enough to be my calligrapher for this, and her hand is (as always) exquisite.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4HitcfQ1kME/WlEoll3dslI/AAAAAAAAATA/3JQp-K22ooAOHtxysiHbMX4ujRirnWTtgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4HitcfQ1kME/WlEoll3dslI/AAAAAAAAATA/3JQp-K22ooAOHtxysiHbMX4ujRirnWTtgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1274.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gouache on pergamenata</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-25141089414391052292018-01-06T11:32:00.000-08:002018-01-06T11:32:28.484-08:00An AoA in the style of a Carpet PageEvery now and again I get an assignment for someone I actually know - these, honestly, are the best and the hardest assignments. Pressure! But the good kind ;)<br /><br />When I received this assignment, I immediately reached out to get confirmation on some ideas I had from the one who wrote him in, and everything fell together wonderfully.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4q0dg7TrKQ/WlEj8msPx9I/AAAAAAAAAS0/8YvmFKNacc4J7ABA25kmbiUDZO1xCLVXwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/damian%2Baoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4q0dg7TrKQ/WlEj8msPx9I/AAAAAAAAAS0/8YvmFKNacc4J7ABA25kmbiUDZO1xCLVXwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/damian%2Baoa.jpg" width="425" /></a>The finished scroll: inspired by the Book of Kells, containing wolves instead of cats as was the preference of the recipient.<br /><br />Gouache on Perg<br />Calligraphy, Words, and Illumination by me.Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-37397421133618419442018-01-06T11:22:00.000-08:002018-01-06T11:22:08.514-08:00A new year, a new roleAt Crown last year I spoke with the East Kingdom Clerk Signet and after much agreement and some reassurance on both sides I took on the role of Central Region Deputy to the Clerk Signet.<br /><br />I'm happy to have the chance to serve the Kingdom in a role I've served my Barony in for a while. I love helping people with all things scribal, and I hope that people feel comfortable coming to me with their questions. That said - if you have questions, please ask! aaradyn.ghyoot@gmail.com<br /><br />Yours in Service,<br />AaradynAaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-13785330952766909342017-10-08T10:36:00.003-07:002017-10-08T10:36:49.171-07:00A map in the style of TolkienI was asked to do a map for the Battle of 5 Armies and, of course, I said yes.<br /><br />Pass up a chance to paint Smaug on a map????? Never!<br /><br />So, a few weeks, a lot of acrylic, a portable backdrop stand, and a paint drop cloth later...<br /><br />here's the 5' high by 9.5' wide unstretched canvas map.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5jC1sZFsHA/WdphQ9XQBAI/AAAAAAAAASY/VVEKT8_j--0Bjhh25m8s3Wh5euBpgX-ewCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/5armies%2Bmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5jC1sZFsHA/WdphQ9XQBAI/AAAAAAAAASY/VVEKT8_j--0Bjhh25m8s3Wh5euBpgX-ewCK4BGAYYCw/s640/5armies%2Bmap.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(it took up my whole living room. no lie. I moved furniture and it took up half the walkable space. It was worth it though!!!!) It was hung in the Gate area at 5 Armies by thumbtacks, survived the weekend, and now lives with the Shire of Quintavia.Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-22482438866736681982017-10-08T10:27:00.001-07:002017-10-08T10:27:57.998-07:00A Celt AoA with a monster<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtVnwuBIb6Y/WdpfY5i07SI/AAAAAAAAASM/gHkhEnhZ-dc177ldn7xIOz5sZ-0d97QVwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/greylever%2BAoA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtVnwuBIb6Y/WdpfY5i07SI/AAAAAAAAASM/gHkhEnhZ-dc177ldn7xIOz5sZ-0d97QVwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/greylever%2BAoA.jpg" width="512" /></a><br />I love the monster at the end of this scroll. I painted it because I wanted to work more on having an element of the design holding the shield, not just a shield in free space. The three headed monster from this page was the inspiration for the whole piece.<br /><br />I'm exceedingly happy with the red dots around the top line and initial. It took forever but the effect is just as I saw in the book and that makes me smile.<br /><br />I also decided that spelling out Hundred was a bit much, and put the Roman number in instead. I do kinda wonder how many people noticed that.Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-34745056087528722312017-10-08T10:18:00.001-07:002017-10-08T10:18:20.439-07:00Apollo's Arrow<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BC_2WVfSEHg/WdpcNCfB2QI/AAAAAAAAAR8/YKVafj3FQGssBTCtt4paRNL73QZK5lBWgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Apollo%2527s%2BArrow%2BFrench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BC_2WVfSEHg/WdpcNCfB2QI/AAAAAAAAAR8/YKVafj3FQGssBTCtt4paRNL73QZK5lBWgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Apollo%2527s%2BArrow%2BFrench.jpg" width="512" /></a><br />French is a style that I have enjoyed for a while, and I really think I'm getting better at it.<br /><br />This is an Apollo's Arrow, and no - the original doesn't have a huge banner hanging off the side of the castle, but I really like how this worked, and enjoyed adding the award badge as something other than a random floating circle somewhere on the page. I'm working on incorporating the badge or shield for AoA as an element of the design and while I sometimes don't hit the mark, I feel like I'm improving on that considerably.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />One of the hard parts of illumination is people. I used to avoid them at all costs. Now it seems like I'm taking every opportunity to add someone in. I'm extra happy with how the fabric turned out in this one.<br /><br />I'm also very happy with how the blue ink accents came out on this scroll. They're much closer to period than some of my other attempts.Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-84606320487965499812017-10-08T10:07:00.002-07:002017-10-08T10:07:41.558-07:00AoA at 12th Night<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fpVrl9CuRFA/WdpaW2Fn2MI/AAAAAAAAARw/NX7VbBMYCyoTEjihOfJVPd4YpCHa7atXACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/AoA%2BFrench%2B12th%2BNight.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fpVrl9CuRFA/WdpaW2Fn2MI/AAAAAAAAARw/NX7VbBMYCyoTEjihOfJVPd4YpCHa7atXACK4BGAYYCw/s640/AoA%2BFrench%2B12th%2BNight.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Twelfth Night! eventually I'll go... but for now sending scrolls will have to do. ;)<br /><br />This is an AoA in the French style - honestly, I chose this because there's a dog. I don't know if the recipient has a dog, but it was too cute of a scene to pass up. Plus, she's a cook, and the woman in the scene had an apron :)<br /><br />I'm getting better with my white work (thank you Eva and Nataliia!) and while I'm not 100% happy with my calligraphy here, I know what I did wrong and have worked on it since. (spacing. i'm rubbish at spacing.)<br /><br />Shell gold again here&nbsp; I like it a little better, but in these you often have texture in the gold so it's seems to fit better. (I'm pretty sure I erased the lines before I sent it out.)Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-42535747331174075542017-10-08T10:00:00.003-07:002017-10-08T10:00:59.482-07:00Silver Wheel in Ottoman style<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmjH22m4uC0/WdpYv9Tw_3I/AAAAAAAAARk/lg2tkdXp3L46yyMno7a6a5mXHdj3hmNmgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Silver%2BWheel%2BQuran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmjH22m4uC0/WdpYv9Tw_3I/AAAAAAAAARk/lg2tkdXp3L46yyMno7a6a5mXHdj3hmNmgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Silver%2BWheel%2BQuran.jpg" width="480" /></a>This was an exciting scroll for me, mostly because of the recipient's persona.<br />I don't have the skill to attempt a pseudo-hand yet, so the hand is early Roman as it's a hand I am more comfortable with.<br /><br />There are a few things I would do differently if doing this scroll again, not the least of which is getting minatum in time to use leaf gold instead of shell gold. I think the shell worked, but it could have been better.<br /><br />One hallmark of this style, based on the Quran, is the very crisp geometry of the designs. Mine were a little more loose than they should have been.<br /><br />Overall though, I am happy with the results.Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-86075738406356251042017-10-08T09:53:00.001-07:002017-10-08T09:53:27.112-07:00An AoA for BarleycornSimple and straightforward, and far more calligraphy focused than I've done previously, an AoA in the Kells style for the Feast of John Barleycorn.<br />Calligraphy, Illumination, and words by me.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVXAM3ee8qg/WdpX-pFaz2I/AAAAAAAAARY/G5DBn2rT6BgWw4V9Xzt87IgqyxnM1p4ZACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/AoA%2Bcelt%2BBarleycorn.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVXAM3ee8qg/WdpX-pFaz2I/AAAAAAAAARY/G5DBn2rT6BgWw4V9Xzt87IgqyxnM1p4ZACK4BGAYYCw/s640/AoA%2Bcelt%2BBarleycorn.jpg" width="640" /></a>Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-16258402241541780972017-10-08T09:44:00.001-07:002017-10-08T09:44:07.427-07:00Tyger's Cub<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij-X4yxL-Tg/WdpVLqMWkSI/AAAAAAAAARM/IRyCXBOLRyQmNww8Ceb-8EzKvefUGHbXQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij-X4yxL-Tg/WdpVLqMWkSI/AAAAAAAAARM/IRyCXBOLRyQmNww8Ceb-8EzKvefUGHbXQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0071.jpg" width="453" /></a>This was fun... A Book of Kells inspired Tyger's Cub for a child of Malagentia...<br /><br />Calligraphy and Illumination by me, Words by Nicol mac Donnchaidh<br /><br />Yes, I went crazy overboard with the illuminated letters. And yes, that *is* a tiny portrait of HRM Honig in the first letter of her name.<br /><br />I had a TON of fun with this scroll!Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-53828990999217882892017-10-08T09:39:00.001-07:002017-10-08T09:39:29.058-07:00We have our bearings, Captain. I have been slowly working on the directives I gave myself a while back, or the one that is - to present more period work.<br /><br />Having participated in some (but sadly not all) of the A&amp;S events I set myself over the last year, it occurs to me that I really haven't been giving scribal the time it deserves. I'm changing that today.<br /><br />As of today, the first full day of the newest Reign in the East Kingdom, I am committing myself to completing more assignments. Not just Kingdom assignments, but personal assignments too. I finished painting a piece that I started doodling at Pennsic recently. It occurred to me that I have a LOT of those sitting around - sketches I started but didn't finish, layouts half done and sitting in my scriptorium, just general stuff that I've printed out or bookmarked to "to do later"... yeah. too much.<br /><br />So, I'm working on my A&amp;S presentation book. I'm creating more works that will not go to a recipient, but will instead go into my book to show as the opportunity presents.<br /><br />Here's the piece I was doodling at Pennsic and painted just a few days ago.&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsY33UBqXcA/WdpUtUmNayI/AAAAAAAAARE/2eKL2sfZyJsqvHheH7YfF-X6FwuC_8iYgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/flemish.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsY33UBqXcA/WdpUtUmNayI/AAAAAAAAARE/2eKL2sfZyJsqvHheH7YfF-X6FwuC_8iYgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/flemish.jpg" width="180" /></a>Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-19398317904991367992017-01-08T20:08:00.000-08:002017-01-08T20:08:01.514-08:00Kells Ducks for an AoAI wanted to do a Kells based scroll, but as this was before I was ready to do my own calligraphy I asked one of the excellent Laurels of our Barony to do it for me. She agreed.<br /><br />Here is the finished scroll:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKrQfVCczTU/WHMMBHEIN_I/AAAAAAAAAQg/ilvqDNbKA4sPBItSlJ03CynxyvQ1GulEgCK4B/s1600/DSC01424.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKrQfVCczTU/WHMMBHEIN_I/AAAAAAAAAQg/ilvqDNbKA4sPBItSlJ03CynxyvQ1GulEgCK4B/s320/DSC01424.JPG" width="256" /></a>Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-41392426994922762652017-01-08T19:56:00.003-08:002017-01-08T19:56:39.497-08:00Burdended TygerThis was illumination I did, which was later calligraphed by Mistress Eleanor Catlyng.<br /><br />I have since gotten much better at leaving more room for framing.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJr83Bp-Bxo/WHMJwe_jdxI/AAAAAAAAAQU/fVJDWLDbgG4QHxctCoyqYj5oRk5MBpc3QCK4B/s1600/IMG_3648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJr83Bp-Bxo/WHMJwe_jdxI/AAAAAAAAAQU/fVJDWLDbgG4QHxctCoyqYj5oRk5MBpc3QCK4B/s320/IMG_3648.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gouache on pergamenta</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-21600734928479835962016-09-20T10:57:00.001-07:002016-09-20T10:57:34.076-07:00fly me to the Moon... Saturday I was floored. I stood before my Baron and Baroness and was asked a question that I knew my partner would be asked but never dreamed that I would have to answer as well.<br /><br />I was asked to join our Baronial Arts and Sciences Order, the Order of the Moon. It is the first time I was recognized for my arts in the Society. Twice I have been awarded for my service, but never for my Arts. I do think I cried a little.<br /><br />Thank you, to the Order, to my Baronage, and to the Barony as a whole. Thank you a thousand times over. I shall endeavor to deserve the accolades I have received.Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-19595941567079574102016-08-23T10:42:00.000-07:002016-08-23T10:42:38.015-07:00Thoughts on WarNow that I'm home, all the laundry is done, and the scriptorium is set back up, I can sit back and think about Pennsic. (with coffee. always with coffee.)<br /><br />First, I want to thank everyone who came to my classes. It was fantastic to see so many faces! Thank you all! I also want to thank the AEthelmearc Royal Encampment for hosting the scribal track. It was a beautiful space and very, very useful.<br /><br />I was fortunate enough to make it to the Scribal Tea this year and I'd like to thank my fellow scribes for their encouragement and critiques. No one improves by only ever hearing about the good, and I truly appreciate that those who offered suggestions did so politely and helpfully. I was even more inspired by the works that were brought to show off! The SCA truly has an amazing group of artists in their ranks.<br /><br />As I have in years past, I come home to my desk with a renewed creativity and drive toward accuracy.<br /><br />To brushes!Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-42931858481979693922016-08-22T12:05:00.000-07:002016-08-22T12:05:14.063-07:00A Viking AoA for an Embroiderer<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_O0bbVPRQZs/V7tMYRoqidI/AAAAAAAAANI/3aXm6p3ccsUai8ZA60xQnqXoKSBvzp_8wCK4B/s1600/IMG_7207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_O0bbVPRQZs/V7tMYRoqidI/AAAAAAAAANI/3aXm6p3ccsUai8ZA60xQnqXoKSBvzp_8wCK4B/s640/IMG_7207.jpg" width="391" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gouache on pergamenata</td></tr></tbody></table>This went out at&nbsp;&nbsp;Great Northeastern War, and is one of the smallest I've done in a while. It's 5x7 total with a 1/2 inch framing border.<br /><br />It's the most gold I've done on a scroll, and it's all gouache. It's not my best calligraphy but I'm happy that I found a documentable embroidery pattern to use for her scroll.Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-76604674991863374992016-08-22T12:02:00.003-07:002016-08-22T12:02:27.384-07:00A Deed of Arms <br /><br /><br />Great Northeastern War, held in Malagentia every year, sees the field won by a fighter at a Deed of Arms. I was asked this past year to created the scroll - what I painted outlined the battles fought, the prize at each, and the victory at the end for the fighters.<br /><br />When the Deed was won, each fighter and lady signed the scroll, and the victor's Arms were painted into the flag at the center bottom as his name was entered at the text at the top.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPXmllioh80/V7tLWhSl8BI/AAAAAAAAAMg/TI1URSVGad8rFpitWH0ekEHMUaj-lfeJgCK4B/s1600/full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPXmllioh80/V7tLWhSl8BI/AAAAAAAAAMg/TI1URSVGad8rFpitWH0ekEHMUaj-lfeJgCK4B/s640/full.jpg" width="536" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zabkKXhg_0M/V7tLY6yLL7I/AAAAAAAAAM4/l54UKNodszQzDmQk-57Q8c8GV7abNiHPwCK4B/s1600/right%2Btower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zabkKXhg_0M/V7tLY6yLL7I/AAAAAAAAAM4/l54UKNodszQzDmQk-57Q8c8GV7abNiHPwCK4B/s320/right%2Btower.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKR6nikoDo0/V7tLZDddDJI/AAAAAAAAANA/UbMo2kzvbhAR9SZanOPMtVHKxStOaXZpgCK4B/s1600/panels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKR6nikoDo0/V7tLZDddDJI/AAAAAAAAANA/UbMo2kzvbhAR9SZanOPMtVHKxStOaXZpgCK4B/s320/panels.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOc4cILwS84/V7tLY2wgDgI/AAAAAAAAAMo/hlyo9ep8fZk1D5a3sTQSZyOe77uaiAj3gCK4B/s1600/left%2Btower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOc4cILwS84/V7tLY2wgDgI/AAAAAAAAAMo/hlyo9ep8fZk1D5a3sTQSZyOe77uaiAj3gCK4B/s320/left%2Btower.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SoFI4PkuD24/V7tLYz0zF5I/AAAAAAAAAM0/AWsUcvoMOXMU400d8w1ZDG89zhp3AT4nwCK4B/s1600/text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SoFI4PkuD24/V7tLYz0zF5I/AAAAAAAAAM0/AWsUcvoMOXMU400d8w1ZDG89zhp3AT4nwCK4B/s320/text.jpg" width="213" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-62124016059097753242016-06-16T16:57:00.002-07:002016-06-16T16:57:53.278-07:00July Cover for the Pikestaff <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6EknwBsoO7o/V2M8lvmC2oI/AAAAAAAAAME/DVLACxZapD4MBnwyCqWyZLYXwaytitUowCLcB/s1600/rider%2Bwith%2Bbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6EknwBsoO7o/V2M8lvmC2oI/AAAAAAAAAME/DVLACxZapD4MBnwyCqWyZLYXwaytitUowCLcB/s640/rider%2Bwith%2Bbook.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German, 1468</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Published!<br /><br />I am grateful that the staff of the Pikestaff chose my art for the July cover, as July is my birthday month. It is a special present to see my work sent throughout the Kingdom.<br /><br />He reminded me of a professor riding off to Pennsic, book in hand and ready to teach all within earshot.<br /><br />It appears in the Pikestaff in black and white.<br /><br /><br />Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-51682692166239602752016-06-16T16:46:00.000-07:002016-06-16T16:46:13.648-07:00Flemish for a Silver Wheel<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YM-IHTKx-m8/V1rIclM1pFI/AAAAAAAAALg/XB9Osd4Xj8MSsm2wDk-9aGH16J34KqHOQCK4B/s1600/IMG_6560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YM-IHTKx-m8/V1rIclM1pFI/AAAAAAAAALg/XB9Osd4Xj8MSsm2wDk-9aGH16J34KqHOQCK4B/s640/IMG_6560.jpg" width="425" /></a>My latest scroll, influenced by the Spinola Hours:<br />gouache on perg<br /><br />I took some liberties with color choices, mostly because I chose not to paint in the background on the panes. In the original the branches are much lighter in color - I tried this on a test piece of perg and decided that a deeper color would give the border effect I was going for. I found reference images in the Master of Mary of Burgundy Hours that supported deeper color branches and pulled inspiration from there for some of the bugs as well.<br /><br />While the style of the branches and flowers are similar to the original, I also took artistic license and did not copy all the elements exactly.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-70UyMlfFmFw/V1rLVD1u5VI/AAAAAAAAALs/JlRmgIYqMscJ5XzdVl_-wIfqZr70de0UACK4B/s1600/11041901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-70UyMlfFmFw/V1rLVD1u5VI/AAAAAAAAALs/JlRmgIYqMscJ5XzdVl_-wIfqZr70de0UACK4B/s640/11041901.jpg" width="440" /></a>The panes with thread and bowls of food are reflective of the recipients likes. Additionally, all the plants represented on the scroll, as well as all the bugs, can be found on the Scottish island of Rona.<br /><br /><br /><br />Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-17041758275901259682016-06-10T07:01:00.001-07:002016-06-10T07:01:38.064-07:00Finding a passionI've painted a fair number of styles of scrolls, mostly because I wanted to know what I really loved painting and what I really didn't love painting.<br /><br />I've found a style that I completely enjoyed and it's glorious. Flemish, in the style of the Master of Mary of Burgundy Book of Hours, or the Spinola Hours (also affectionately called "squashed bug" in the scribal community) was the inspiration for my most recent scroll...<br /><br />I didn't know I'd have so much fun painting this scroll. It was amazing! I loved the detail, I loved the style, I loved the colors, it was all so fun! Each little pane was a new challenge, a new little story to paint and moving around like that, from detail to detail, was the sort of creation I want out of scroll making.<br /><br />Additionally, a HUGE thank you to the calligraphers in my life- I am for once really happy with how the calligraphy on this scroll looks and it's all because of you guys and your excellent instruction. seriously - thank you!!<br /><br /><br />Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-42379281969810826412016-06-01T15:57:00.000-07:002016-06-01T15:57:22.088-07:00One for a fencerI know many fencers, and I've painted scrolls for people who do fencing, but until this one I hadn't painted a scroll for a fencer.<br /><br />Check!<br /><br />This was a fun one - simple but nice. &nbsp;I've done elaborate and I wanted to know that I could do something with very little paint. &nbsp;Turns out, yes. I look at this one and I know what I could change - what I'll do better next time. Mostly I think the font size is too big, but I'm a novice calligrapher and I'm chalking that up to rookie mistakes. &nbsp;Really, I wanted to paint a rapier, and I'm happy with how that came out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vI_60YLVmaU/Vg6XyCvQC_I/AAAAAAAAAJI/AVV42O01J0g/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vI_60YLVmaU/Vg6XyCvQC_I/AAAAAAAAAJI/AVV42O01J0g/s640/IMG_2109.JPG" width="561" /></a></div>I left a lot more margin this time, so matting should be pretty easy for the recipient. This is almost square too, which is an odd format for me, but again - pretty ok with that since I wasn't using a predefined layout.<br /><br />Some of my scrolls are definitely "copies" of period works - it's easy to look at the folio and say "yes, she used this one." &nbsp;I find though that I like to change it up as well, to go a non-traditional route and steer away from the Books of Hours for a while and see what my mind comes up with. &nbsp;I know the rules of layout, and with those in your arsenal it's easier to create instead of copy.<br /><br />I love both methods of scroll creation, it's really just whatever I'm in the mood to do when I sit at my desk.Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-53864000737343837622016-03-05T09:50:00.004-08:002016-03-05T09:50:57.633-08:00Byzantine scroll for a Silver WheelByzantine is not my chosen time period, and not something that I have delved into painting from before - but I love a challenge so when I was asked to take on this assignment I jumped at it.<br /><br />And then I went and talked to the only expert I know on this period, and Baroness Anna helped me tremendously! It would have taken a lot longer and I would have been a lot less sure of myself without her aid. (thank you!!)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzqJqyGPkZo/VtsarjfT16I/AAAAAAAAAKw/V7Mn7Km5PZU/s1600/IMG_6228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzqJqyGPkZo/VtsarjfT16I/AAAAAAAAAKw/V7Mn7Km5PZU/s400/IMG_6228.jpg" width="295" /></a>The text is based on Kontakion One and Oikos One, and Kontakion Thirteen of the Akathist to the Theotokos, the illumination is 13th century Armenian<br /><br />gouache and shell gold on pergamenata<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jaLlizosoDE/VtsayZ1vsRI/AAAAAAAAALQ/h_4kEZx2JnQ/s1600/IMG_6227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jaLlizosoDE/VtsayZ1vsRI/AAAAAAAAALQ/h_4kEZx2JnQ/s320/IMG_6227.jpg" width="198" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZL2zdp4FpU/VtsayeAQlXI/AAAAAAAAALI/qYbfumIVDJE/s1600/IMG_6224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZL2zdp4FpU/VtsayeAQlXI/AAAAAAAAALI/qYbfumIVDJE/s640/IMG_6224.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-955079664219892864.post-45529001557023016222015-09-01T05:48:00.000-07:002015-09-01T05:48:14.149-07:00Calligraphy, Vellum, and Vikings I heard about an assignment, and in a very round about way put myself to the task of painting the AoA scroll for one of my best friends. &nbsp;I had been among those who wrote her in, and when I heard it was being done I was ecstatic and fervently asked for the assignment. I was granted it and then set about doing the scroll. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hnerNXWzomE/VeWcul-dnyI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Pmq885hkdLU/s1600/IMG_1703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hnerNXWzomE/VeWcul-dnyI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Pmq885hkdLU/s400/IMG_1703.JPG" width="400" /></a>I went a direction I haven't before with this one - I did the calligraphy (something I usually do not as my hand is, to me, very poor) as well as the illumination, and I did it on deer skin vellum from the Guild of Limners. <br /><br />Having never worked on real vellum before, this was a lot to take on but I had a few things going for me - mostly that the piece was small (5x7 total sheet size, with a 1/2" border drawn for matting and framing) and that the piece was going to a very good friend of mine, Gudrun, who would understand any small blunders I made. &nbsp;And I did, but that's ok too - it's period! &nbsp;;) <br /><br />The way the paint works on the surface of vellum made me so very happy - I can understand the appeal of working with this material - it's tricky, but so very, very worth it.<br /><br />---<br />So I had written this entire post and was ready to put it up immediately after Investiture.... but couldn't as Gudrun was called out of town and wasn't there to be called into Court. &nbsp;So I waited, and we all waited, and finally last weekend at our Baronial Thrown Weapons and Archery Champions our Baron and Baroness were able to bestow the AoA and scroll on behalf of their Majesties. &nbsp;In a great stroke of luck, The Duke and Countess who were sitting Royals at Investiture were at our Championship, and so got to see the scroll presented as well.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlglWn8gPog/VeWeVLQEBqI/AAAAAAAAAFM/FYgLnNxBRFY/s1600/IMG_1970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlglWn8gPog/VeWeVLQEBqI/AAAAAAAAAFM/FYgLnNxBRFY/s320/IMG_1970.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their Excellencies presenting Lady Gudrun</td></tr></tbody></table>Aaradyn Ghyoothttps://plus.google.com/108644852927249733115noreply@blogger.com0